Martyn Cowan studied philosophy at Queen’s University Belfast (BA and MA) and went on to serve in student ministry with IFES Ireland. He moved to London to train for gospel ministry at the Cornhill Training Course and at Oak Hill Theological College (MTh Distinction). He came to Union (PG Cert Min) in preparation for being licensed by the Dromore Presbytery as Assistant Minister in First Presbyterian Church, Saintfield.

He subsequently completed a PhD in historical theology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Rev’d Dr Stephen Hampton with a dissertation entitled ’The prophetic preaching of John Owen from 1646 to 1659 in its historical context'.

Before his appointment at Union he served as Assistant to the Vacancy Convener in First Presbyterian Church, Portadown, and taught courses at the Cornhill Training Course in Belfast.